- Off Sync - (2024) November 1st 2024
The whole album's concept is based on the Buddhist notion of “Impermanence”, where everything changes.
This idea is deeply rooted in Japanese cultural values.
Each song in the album represents different aspects of Buddhism and human values.
To create a literary work through music, the lyrics and concepts were deepened using 'themes that resonate with listeners' and the 'technology that defines our era'—namely, AI.
Piano, Vocal, Bass, Synth, Lyrics, , Songwriting, Programming - Takahiro Izumikawa
Featuring:
Drums, Percussion - Chris Dave (tracks: 1 to 4, 7, 8)
Bass - Daniel Winshall (tracks: 1, 7, 8)
Rap - Oswin Benjamin (tracks: 2)
Vocal - Jenny Hong (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
Lyrics - Alan Yu (tracks: 1, 2, 7)
Percussion - Takafumi Nikaido (tracks: 1)
Japanese Chorus - Yasunobu (tracks: 2)
Art Direction, Design - Alaya Lee
Producer - Takahiro Izumikawa
Management - Alan Yu, Jenny Hong
Mixed By - Takahiro Izumikawa
Mastered By - Joel Kerr
Recorded By - Takahiro Izumikawa
Recording Studio - Access Art Studio
1 “Raku”
This track focuses on the concept of "Raku" as understood in early Buddhism. "Raku" does not refer to material satisfaction or pleasure derived from external stimuli, but rather to a deep inner peace and stability that arises from within.
- Lyrics ( written by Takahiro Izumikawa, Alan Yu)
Though the mind knows, heart feels unsure
Living fear of what’s next, ever so real
Unsure steps in a world so wide, confused inside.
Mind at east, clarity found
Freed from the sorrows of the (crazy) world
A tranquil calm fills up the soul
The path of raku, shining bright
2. "Echoes of Trust"
Expressing how trust can be perceived differently depending on one's perspective.
- Lyrics ( written by Takahiro Izumikawa, Alan Yu)
Believed in the days
Now just a dream, that slipped away
Always been like this?
Or did it change along the way?
The roses turned gray
Sparks I knew, faded away
Clubs, diamonds, and spades
But no heart and you will lose the game
Japanese Part
浮世に 沙羅双樹 鐘の音 静寂
兵 明日には 儚く消えゆく
English Translation:
In this fleeting world,
'Neath sal trees, the bell tolls, silence falls.
By dawn, the soldiers will fade away like dreams.
Explanation:
This Japanese verse references themes from both Buddhism and The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari), a classic work of Japanese literature. The "沙羅双樹" (Shara-souju, sal trees) is a symbolic reference to impermanence in Buddhism, as the sal tree is associated with the death of the Buddha. The "鐘の音" (kane no oto, sound of the bell) symbolizes the fleeting nature of life, often associated with the transience of worldly affairs. In The Tale of the Heike, the sound of the bell is a metaphor for the impermanence of all things, resonating with the fall of the Heike clan. Everyone is killing for someone. From a partner's perspective, it feels like trust and love, but from the enemy's view, it feels like pure hatred. This reflects the futility of Japan's Sengoku era.
3 "Aubade"
This song is inspired by the concept of Nirvana in early Buddhism. "Aubade" (a morning song) represents the peace brought by Nirvana, evoking the calm and fullness of a tranquil morning.
Inspired by the early Buddhist idea that children naturally understand what truly matters, but as people grow and accumulate knowledge, they lose sight of these essential truths. This song captures the pure, untainted wisdom that we gradually forget as we become entangled in life’s complexities.
- Lyrics ( written by Takahiro Izumikawa)
Rising with the sun, it’s shining bright
Racing through the fields in the moon's light
Laughing in the breeze, so free and light
Dreaming 'neath the starry night sky
.jpg)
4 “Unaffected Spell” (Album Version)
Through the lens of worldly truths, this piece explores the concept of revenge, revealing just how strong the desire for retribution can be. In a world where personal justice and revenge often feel justified, "Curtain Call" reflects the absurdity of viewing revenge as a natural right. It questions whether revenge truly brings satisfaction or if it’s merely an empty victory.
The lyrics use the style of traditional Japanese ”Waka” poetry, with a rhythm composed of odd-numbered syllable clusters like 5-3-5-3-7, similar to patterns seen in haiku and japanese poetry.
- Lyrics ( written by Takahiro Izumikawa)
恨みわび濡れて
あだしなの この世
名こそ惜しけれ
されどされどされど
秋の夜の月明けて暗くなりぬ
ふたたび立ちて絶えず思ふ我が身
.jpg)
5 “Curtain Call”
6 “Off Sync”
Piano solo piece that captures the beauty and melancholy of impermanence. The music reflects the transient nature of life, where harmony and dissonance weave together, emphasizing the delicate balance between presence and passing, much like moments that fall "off sync" yet remain meaningful.
7 “Muga”
A song inspired by the Buddhist concept of "non-self" (Muga), exploring the liberation found in releasing the ego and transcending personal identity. Through shifting tones and immersive layers, the piece invites listeners to experience a state beyond self, where true freedom resides.
- Lyrics ( written by Takahiro Izumikawa, Alan Yu)
Calmness you understand?
Even if it doesn’t go, as we planned
We are just grains of sand
Selflessness you understand?, no demands
Stillness, you understand?
Even if it slips through our hands
We are just grains of sand
Selflessness you understand?, no demands
Japanese Part
寄るべなく 雲が ながれ 描きありぬ
思ひ出と 夢ぞまじりて 溶け消ゆる
Translation
Clouds drift with nothing to hold onto, forming shapes that fade away. Memories and dreams blend together, indistinguishable, melting and disappearing.
English translation
Resents the impermanent nature of the world, yet he remains preoccupied with preserving his reputation, even at such moments. On an autumn night, he finds himself momentarily entranced by the beautiful moonlight, but dawn soon dims the sky, leaving him disheartened. Yet, before long, he rises again, constantly concerned with his own standing and well-being.”
Addresses the relentless pursuit of perfection in modern culture, where even small mistakes or doubts are unforgivable. In Buddhism, true peace comes not from external perfection but from inner freedom and self-acceptance. This song uses a “beautiful” melody to express the suppressed emotions hidden beneath society's polished facade.
8 “Beneath the Surface”
